The Hills and Vineyards of Alsace 2010This tour is not described in our brochure | |
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Day 1. Arrive at Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages on the Alsace wine route, 5 miles from Colmar. Overnight in 3* Hotel. Day 2. First climb to three castles in Eguisheim, then on to Hohlandsbourg Castle, which offers a panoramic view over Colmar and the Alsace Plain, which is dotted with numerous villages. Then return to the valley and the pretty town of Turkheim (about 11½ miles). Overnight in 3* Hotel. Each evening the night watchman in traditional 16th-century costume sings as he switches off the streetlights. |
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Day 3. From Turckheim you walk through an area from which some of the most
famous of all Alsace wines come. The day ends in Kaysersberg, another typical Alsace wine
town, particularly noted for its fabulous floral displays.
(about 10 miles). Overnight in 3* Hotel. Kaysersberg was the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Day 4. This is the longest day on the tour. Today you leave the vineyards behind and start to explore the heights of the Vosges Mountains. From Kaysersberg (250m) you reach the village of Labaroche and the summit of Petit Honack (927 m). After the Croix de Whor Pass (840 m), walk down to Munster, right in the heart of the Vosges Massif. (about 15½ miles). Overnight in 3* Hotel. Day 5. A choice of routes today. Longer, more demanding route. Although a little shorter than the previous day's walk, this is probably more demanding. The route follows the Duke's Path to the foot of the Petit Ballon, one of the best known peaks in Alsace. You do not have to climb this - the ascent and descent together take about 45 minutes - but most walkers will want to! Continue via a couple of farm-inns to Wintzfelden (about 13 miles). Shorter, easier route. Leave Munster and ascend towards Wasserbourg. The summit of Wassenberg (746 m) is a short way off the route, if you want to climb it. From Wasserbourg walk over the summit of the Mühlenkopf (805m) and then return to the valley at Wintzfelden to find yourself back among the vineyards (about 9½ miles). Overnight in 2* Hotel. |
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Day 6. First follow a very beautiful terraced path dominating the Rhine Valley
towards Gueberschwihr, an extremely beautiful village. On the way you pass Celtic
religious sites and an abbey before reaching Eguisheim, from where you started.
(about 9½ miles). Overnight in 3* Hotel. |
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